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Queensland coach Phil Mooney continues to ring big changes with the struggling Reds by dumping flanker David Croft and promoting exciting playmaker Quade Cooper.
Croft is the most stunning of three changes to his starting side for Saturday night's Super 14 clash against the defending champion Bulls, replacing the 107-game veteran with unheralded youngster Tasi Luafutu.
Quick-jinking five-eighth Cooper also gets his first start of the season which has sparked a backline reshuffle with Berrick Barnes moving to inside centre.
The ineffective midfield combination for last week's 34-16 loss to the Stormers, Morgan Turinui and Peter Hynes, have also shifted one position further out at the expense of Brando Va'aulu.
Seasoned lock Van Humphries returns to the second row at the expense of Ed O'Donoghue after the lineout suffered for his absence.
Australian Sevens backrower Scott Higginbotham comes onto the bench, while another youngster, 21-year old Ben Lucas, replaces reserve scrumhalf Will Genia in the 22.
Big changes as Reds search for form
AAP - March 12, 2008, 1:34 pm
Mooney had already taken the captaincy away from John Roe and handed it to Sam Cordingley ahead of this week's game.
"There are some young guys getting a big opportunity this week to play for Queensland against one of the best provincial rugby teams in the world," Mooney said.
"It will be a big occasion for them and we're confident they'll rise to it, with the support of the more experienced players around them."
Queensland: Chris Latham, Clinton Schifcofske, Morgan Turinui, Berrick Barnes, Peter Hynds, Quade Cooper, Sam Cordingley (capt), Leroy Houston, Poutasi Luafutu, John Roe, James Horwill, Van Humphries, Dayna Edwards, Sean Hardman, Greg Holmes. Res: Stephen Moore, Rodney Blake, Ed O'Donoghue, David Croft, Ben Lucas, Brando Va'aulu, Scott Higginbotham.
The reds are unlikely to win this one regardless of what they do, so I think it's probably a good idea to use this as an opportunity to experiment with your line up a bit and blood a few young blokes.
not a good situation to be in - the croft decision i think is unfair, he is one of the few actually playing decent rugby for them
This is hilarious, the Reds have dipped into their cupboard earlier than last year, without having the excuse of injuries.
I can't wait for Chook to put together another "Benny Hill" video of Koowaide getting hammered and dropping the seed!
C'mon the![]()
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This is the same side that lost 92-3 last year, but I don't think that Latham, Turinui and others who didn't play in that schellacking will be able to turn the score around by 89 pts.
it'l be good to see cooper start a game, they're always bleating on about he's a player to watch in years to come so i guess its up to him now.....
I continue to point to that funny video Chook posted in the off season...dunno where it is but it was piss funny!
C'mon the![]()
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dropping croft......
how dumb can the reds get.
Pruc your on the money. He gives 110% week in, week out. Strange decision though as there are plenty of seagullers in the team who leave it up to Croft and Roe to get things happening up front and they do the hard yards..
the punters friend..... stick with me and you will be wearing
Yes and now the Reds are looking towards the West to bolster their ranks. They have their eyes on Pocock, Pec Cowen and Oconner.
The Vodacom Bulls team to play against the Reds in Brisbane.
Morne Steyn moves from centre to fullback, replacing the suspended Zane Kirchner. The chances is very good that Wynand Olivier will pass a fitness test later today that will see him combining with JP Nel once again.
Should Olivier not pass his fitness test Steyn will remain at centre with Bryan Habana moving to fullback with Danwel Demas getting another opportunity to play in the number 11 jersey.
BULLS TEAM
1. Gurthro Steenkamp
2. Derick Kuün
3. Rayno Gerber
4. Bakkies Botha
5. Wilhelm Steenkamp
6. Danie Rossouw
7. Wikus van Heerden (O/K)
8. Pedrie Wannenburg
9. Fourie du Preez (K)
10. Derick Hougaard
11. Bryan Habana
12. Wynand Olivier
13. JP Nel
14. Akona Ndungane
15. Morne Steyn
RESERVES
16. James vd Walt
17. Werner Kruger
18. Dean Greyling
19. Deon Stegman
20. Heini Adams
21. Stephan Dippenaar
22. Dewald Potgieter
Brother Gallagher I hear you
3-92 last season
40-8 this season.
This has got to be some record for turnarounds??
good game by the Reds tonight, aided by the Bulls inability to catch the ball..
GIGS20 you were saying?
and i think only 3 players from tonight started last year, Cooper, Horwill and Shifcofske.
Good result for the Reds